The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to embrace the cutting edge technologies and foster innovation in various sectors. The new drone assembly and testing centre located at the BIUST campus, is set to serve as a hub for developing and testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones. Globally, the drones have been crucial in many industries ranging from agriculture, tourism, security and many more, which propelled BIUST and Mileage Group to follow suit. Miles Nan, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Mileage Group, defined the newly built drone assembly and testing centre as a one stop shop for drones. “Since its establishment and with the full support of the Mileage Group, we have specialised in professional research and development, assembly production, solution provision, repair services, and training for drones. Our milestones include creating a drones training centre and a drone repair centre both equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experts to deliver all the encompassing services. It’s fair to say we are one stop shop for drone services,” he said. Nan highlighted that the new established unit will come in handy to many people in Botswana as it will help local industries. “Botswana’s unique geographical position underscores the vital importance of drone technology. The applications of drones are vast and varied encompassing agricultural uses, mining, energy, security, wildlife conservation and border control. Local production is not merely about technological advancement, but it’s crucial for boosting employment and elevating our national capabilities in science and technology,” he added.
The Vice President Slumber Tsogwane lauded the the establishment of the drone assembly and identified it as a tool that can bolster Botswana’s economy. “By leveraging latest advancements in drone technology and closely investigating its continuous improvement and adaptation to our local conditions and needs, we are creating a ripe platform to enhance economic productivity and sustainability in numerous sectors of our economy as well as providing invaluable opportunity to students and researchers,” Tsogwane remarked. Moreover, he implored the government to rally behind projects like the Botswana Satellite 1 that will be launched soon.
